R Tauranga 1 November 2025 – R4 – Wiremu Pinn
ID: RIB60218
Animal Name:
ERIN GO BRAGH
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
01/11/2025
Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc
Race Location:
Tauranga Racecourse - 1383 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga,
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
01/11/2025
Hearing Location:
Tauranga Race Course
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Rider Wiremu Pinn is fined $300
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 4, Class A Jockey Wiremu Pinn, was charged with a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii). It was alleged that he used his whip with his arm raised above his shoulder height when riding ERIN GO BRAGH near the 100 metres.
Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides as follows:
Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a trial
(including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use his or her whip:
(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.
EVIDENCE:
Mr Pinn confirmed his understanding of the Rule and his admission of the charge.
Mr Oatham used the videos to show Mr Pinn in a position where his mount was travelling well and in second place around the 100 metre marker, when using the whip in a manner that raised his whip above the shoulder on one occasion.
Mr Pinn had no issue with the charge and explained that as this is a relatively new Rule, he was still “getting used to it”.
DECISION:
The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Jones said Mr Pinn had one previous breach of this Rule on 30 August 2025 in Wanganui, when he was fined $250 for two strikes. Mr Pinn commented that he should have got a warning only on that occasion, which would have meant this breach could have been treated as a first breach. Mr Jones responded saying, whether or not to give a warning, is a discretion vested with the Stewards and not a mandated response. Under the Penalty Guide, he said, the starting point for a first offence is a fine of $250.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
This was a clear breach of the Rule involving a whip action, when the Respondent clearly raised his arm above shoulder height. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide provides a starting point for a first breach of a $250 fine. This is therefore, a second breach.
There are no aggravating factors to be considered. This Adjudicative Committee acknowledges the admission, but given this is a second breach, it applies a minor uplift of $50.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent, Class A Jockey Mr Wiremu Pinn, is fined $300.
Decision Date: 01/11/2025
Publish Date: 04/11/2025